MANAMA: Efforts are underway to fly critically injured Palestinians to Bahrain as Israeli warplanes continue to pound Gaza.

They are being spearheaded by the Bahrain Medical Society (BMS), which has started discussing logistical feasibility with the authorities concerned in Palestine and Egypt.

However, its president Dr Mohammed Al Rafea said it could take time to complete the paperwork, which includes securing passports for the wounded who have lost all their belongings in the month-long Israeli offensive that has killed at least 1,900 Palestinians and 67 Israelis, almost all soldiers.

Dr Al Rafea told the GDN the process would be expensive and urged the private sector to come forward with sponsorships.

“It is difficult, but definitely doable as we have done it in the past,” he said.

“Flying the patients out of the war zone is at present not viable, but possible in future which needs planning and we are at it.

“We need to co-ordinate with the health ministries in Palestine, Gaza and Egypt and the related embassies.

“We also need sponsors to support the expensive arrangements as the patients who will be brought in have to be accompanied by one of their family members.

“They need accommodation and food and other support assistance, which needs money, so we need sponsors.

“All of these need to be co-ordinated in advance, so that we can bring in the wounded as soon as the situation is feasible.”

He said the society was also planning to hold fundraisers and other activities in solidarity with the Palestinians.

“We aim to gather funds to support the people in Gaza and we will be organising a day at the BMS related to Palestine, with cultural activities and a video presentation on the crisis and the destruction,” he explained.

He added that the society also was actively co-ordinating with the Royal Charity Organisation in the national campaign for Gaza, which is being held under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad.

“We co-ordinate the needs of medicines and medical aids with the authorities in Gaza and the dispatch of the first shipment of 40 tonnes of medical aid was supported by the BMS,” he said.

The GDN earlier reported that Bahrain has dispatched two shipments of medicines and medical aids, and has collected $1.4 million as part of the campaign that will be added to the $5m donation made by His Majesty.

The UN says at least 1,354 of the Palestinians killed in the fighting since July 8 were civilians, which included 447 children.

On Friday warplanes attacked targets in Gaza, ending a 72-hour lull in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

The renewed hostilities ruptured efforts by mediators to extend a ceasefire and Israel said it resumed air strikes after Palestinian fighters fired rockets.

Egypt, which is mediating between Israelis and Palestinians, insisted negotiations were making progress but Israel recalled its delegation and warned it would not negotiate under fire.

raji@gdn.com.bh